Persons with Disabilities and Innovation in the Primary Industries of Southeast Asia

Abstract

In Southeast Asia the economy is booming and it is estimated that at least one-third of individuals with disabilities are employed in the fields of agriculture, forestry and fisheries. Since local investors and consumers are showing an increasing interest in businesses that are inclusive of individuals with disabilities, there is a need to understand the role of persons with disabilities in these industries beyond charity. Moreover, there is a belief that individuals with disabilities must have tacit knowledge based on their unique experience and lifestyle. However, it is challenging to locate comprehensive research that focuses on this unwritten and informal knowledge. Therefore, this study aims to demonstrate the tacit knowledge held by individuals with disabilities contributing to primary industries in Southeast Asia and assess its significance as a source of innovation. The study examines case studies involving individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the connection between their tacit knowledge, which is deeply rooted in their local engagement along the value chain, and the main challenges faced by businesses. Furthermore, a detailed analysis was carried out to showcase the power of knowledge of persons with disabilities. This research note offers an overview of the case studies, outlining the key points of the analysis and applying categorization. The tacit knowledge of individuals with disabilities, and its relevance to sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, is discussed and the groundwork for future research in this field is laid.